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Calendar of Saints, Christian Witness, PNCC, Saints and Martyrs, ,

Pet Blessings across the PNCC

Blessing of animals in honor of the Commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi at a PNCC Parish near you as follows:

Saturday, October 2nd, 10:30-11:15 a.m., St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church, 200 Stephenson St., Duryea, PA.

Saturday, October 2nd at 1 p.m. at St. Francis Parish, 1752 Harton Avenue, East Meadow, Long Island, NY.

Saturday, October 2nd at 2pm at St. John the Baptist Parish, 414 West Oak St., Frackville, PA.

Saturday, October 2nd, at 10am at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 1040 Pearl St., Schenectady, NY. A collection of pet food and other supplies will be taken in support of local pet rescue organizations.

Contact your local Parish for more information.

Perspective, PNCC, ,

Another sad tale

From the MyWebTimes: Small church many called home

Stefan and Teresa Pazur came to Streator (IL) with their family from Poland 27 years ago.

Since the first day they set foot in the United States, St. Casimir Church on Livingston Street has been their home.

“I didn’t know anybody,” Stefan said. “I didn’t know anything about Streator. I didn’t speak English. My family didn’t speak English.”

The smallest of Streator’s four Catholic churches made them feel at home because of its rich Polish heritage.

In 1916, a group of families of Polish descent requested the formation of St. Casimir’s parish. The parish purchased a church from the Beulah Baptist congregation at the corner of Livingston and Illinois streets.

The wooden Russian Orthodox Catholic Church was a gift from Czar Alexander III of Russia for the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. At the conclusions of the exposition, the building was dismantled, shipped to Streator and reassembled. It was used by a Russian Orthodox congregation until the baptists [sic] purchased it.

St. Casimir’s first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Eve in 1916. Dedication ceremonies were in April 1917 with Bishop E.N. Dunne. The Rev. Mieczyslaus T. Szalewski was the organizer and first pastor of St. Casimir Church.

Shortly afterward, an addition to the church provided two classrooms for parish children to attend school. The Franciscan Sisters ran the school until it was discontinued in 1931.

In 1962, the Rev. Marion Switka was appointed to the parish. He realized there was a need for extensive renovation or a new building.

The old building was razed and a new building, which currently stands, was constructed.

Parishioner Diane Safarcyk Crawford recalls the construction.

“It was sad to see the old church go, but it was no longer functional,” said Safarcyk, who played organ during high school for $1 a Mass. “I remember them raising the steeples and cleaning up after the carpenters.”

During construction of the new building, Masses on Sundays and holy days were in the Polish National Hall across the street and weekday Masses in the basement of the rectory.

Finally, the first Mass at the new church was celebrated on Christmas Eve in 1964. The Rev. George Dzuryo conducted the blessing and consecration of the altar.

The new edifice is of ultramodern pie-fold architecture.

The altar is made of gray granite, slightly tapered from top to bottom, and rests on a base of gray granite forms that create crosses encircling the altar. The altar signifies the firm, solid foundation of the Catholic faith.

Services were suspended in 2004 due to the Rev. Monsignor Jerome Ham’s health. Parishioners conducted a weekly Divine Mercy Novena on Wednesdays.

The church will now be closed to consolidate into St. Michael the Archangel, along with St. Anthony, St. Stephen and Immaculate Conception churches.

“It’s sad,” said Grace Gura, whose husband Ed has a strong Polish heritage. “My husband helped building it. Our daughter was the first one christened in the new church and we were the last ones married in the old one.”

Another Parish where the people honored and kept the presence of Christ, even in the absence of a priest. Sad that they could loose what they had built. Ownership by the laity goes a long way to stopping such closures — part of why the PNCC exists, and why many former Roman Catholics are approaching us after their parishes are closed against their will.

Poland - Polish - Polonia, ,

Visit Poland this Fall

Polish Autumn is the Favorite Time By Raymond Rolak

Autumn in Poland is a great time for tourism. The weather is pleasant and there are many harvest festivals. In the cities, summer hotel pressure is finished and the crowds have diminished. In the resort areas from Sopot to Gdansk (Baltic sea-shore) traffic has diminished. In the interior and rural areas there is a saying. It is now the “Golden Time”.

There is a short period of time every autumn in Poland called ‘Golden Polish Autumn’. According to custom the phrase comes from Wincenty Pol’s poem, “In the Autumn”.

Na jesieni

Coraz ciszej – wrzesień, wrzesień,
Słońce rzuca blask z ukosa
I dzień krótszy, chłodna rosa –
Ha, i jesień, polska jesień
O! Jesieni złota nasza!

Golden Polish Autumn, (Złota Polska Jesień) – that’s the phrase commonly used to describe this season. Summer is gone, the winter is approaching but the weather is great and it is time to celebrate and enjoy the colors. The trees are golden and rusty.

The Golden Polish Autumn is a period of few days sometime between the end of September and the beginning of October, when fewer sunny days come after the initial drop of temperature. The Golden Autumn lasts less than two weeks in Poland. The Dozynki Festivals in Poland are truly bardzo piękne (very beautiful). From Kraków to Tarnów to Rzeszów the drive is full of color. In Krakow, the giant Jordana Park is a do-not-miss as the changing colors are at their peek. It should be on a ‘bucket list’.

The giant star Arius is bright and directly overhead and in Poland, astronomical autumn is beginning. The ‘Autumnal Equinox’ has commenced and the passage from Summer to Fall is beginning.

The farmers are starting the Dozynki. Harvest festivals that celebrate gratitude for nature’s bounty and winter preparations are all in full swing. The Polish harvest festivals are a custom of many centuries and little has changed. The traditions continue. The festivals celebrate the work of the farmer. Music, dancing, great food and colorful apparel, any Dozynki is worth attending. In America many social organizations and Polish churches have Dozynki Festivals.

In America or Poland a Dozynki Festival always has color, music and dance. Photo courtesy of Polishnews.com

One of the best regions to see during Golden Polish Autumn is Zakopane in southeast Poland. The region and folk charm in that area is a sight to see. Find a ‘milk bar’ to enjoy. Inexpensive ‘A’ frame cabins are available to rent. The highlanders of the Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains regions have attractive and lively customs. The area is an avid hiker’s heaven.

So, for preparation …….this year…….next year……anytime soon, the Golden Polish Autumn is a great time to plan a visit or plan a Dozynki party.

(Raymond Rolak is a Michigan based sports broadcaster)

Christian Witness, Events, PNCC, ,

Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day 3

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten
my mind, that l may know and believe all the
mysteries of salvation, and may merit at last to
see the eternal light in Your light; and in the
light of glory to have the clear vision of Thee and
the Father and the Son. Especially give this
spirit of understanding to our General Synod in
the area of tithing and program support. Let us
know and believe that our donations go for the
work of bringing Your kingdom here on earth.
Allow the Synod to have this gift in its
discernment.

Christian Witness, PNCC, , ,

Spójnia Sunday, Niedziela Spójnii

Zawsze naprzód, nigdy w tył
Always forward, never back — motto of the Polish National Union, Spójnia

The Polish National Union of America, also known as PNU or Spojnia, is a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society which provides life insurance protection, annuities, retirement plans and numerous fraternal benefits to its membership.

The late Prime Bishop Franciszek Hodur organized the Polish National Union of America in 1908, eleven years after the organization of the Polish National Catholic Church. Since its inception the Polish National Union served the people in America as well as in Poland. One of the initial purposes of Spojnia was to help people belonging to the Polish National Catholic Church and others who shared in the organization’s goal to achieve financial security. This action brought about an important idea to promote brotherly love and to maintain a sense of identity.

Headquartered in Scranton Pennsylvania since 1908, the Polish National Union of America has lived up to Bishop Hodur’s high standards by providing material and spiritual security to the members and friends of the Polish National Catholic Church.This spirit of cooperation between Spojnia’s leaders and members brought about the means, the force, and the responsibilities of deeds to meet the challenges of today.

From the signing of its first member, John Drwal in 1908, the Polish National Union of America has remained true to its principles and has grown in membership over the years to nearly 25,000 members, making the Polish National Union of America one of the largest fraternal organizations in America.

Today, as in 1908, the Polish National Union of America consistently provides its membership with quality fraternal insurance products and an avenue for participation in the Polish National Union of America’s religious, national and ethnic heritage.

With grass-roots ties to the Polish National Catholic Church, the Polish National Union of America works closely with the church and its members to perpetuate Bishop Hodur’s philosophy.

To date, the Polish National Union of America has provided millions of dollars in the form of loans and subsidies to Polish National Catholic Church parishes and Polish National Union of America members. “Spojnia” has also provided thousands of families the security of affordable, quality insurance and annuity products, college stipends, and support for youth focused Church programs.

Today, we remember in prayer the work and mission of the Polish National Union, all current members and beneficiaries, and all those who have passed to their eternal rest.

Christian Witness, Poland - Polish - Polonia, Political, , , ,

New Holiday in Poland

Breaking News, New Holiday Added By Richard Rolak

WARSAW– The Sejm (Polish Parliament) approved that January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany would become a national holiday and an official non-working day.

In a secular oriented announcement it was explained that the additional free day on Epiphany will be a convenient way of using holiday time from the previous year during first few days of the New Year. It was also explained that it was being instituted so families could spend more time together.

From Poland’s Gazeta Prawna (Legal Gazette): To już pewne: Trzech Króli dniem wolnym od pracy

January 6, or Epiphany, will be a day off from work. Parliament amended the Labour Code and Law on days off from work on Friday, September 24th.

The PO and PSL parties voted for a holiday on the Epiphany. The PiS and the Left added conditions based on lobbying by businesses that do not want to offer an additional holiday.

There were 370 deputies voting for, 44 against, and one abstention. Members also voted to remove the Labour Code allowing for a floating day off for any holiday that falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Changes to the Code are effective 1 January 2011.

According to calculations provided, the introduction of additional holiday will result in nine additional days off between 2011 to 2020. The abolition of the floating day off provision will return eight working days to the economy over the same period.

Currently, the January 6th holiday is observed in Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Austria, Sweden, and Finland. January 6th was a holiday in Poland until 1960.

Christian Witness, Events, PNCC, ,

Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day 2

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my
soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their
exceeding greatness, and power, and beauty.
Teach me to love them above and beyond all the
passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Show me
the way by which I may be able to attain to
them, and possess them, and hold them
hereafter, my own forever. Especially reveal the
mysteries of heavenly things within the souls of
those priests who aspire to the office of bishop.
Allow them to partake of these mysteries in
their life.

Christian Witness, Events, PNCC, ,

Novena to the Holy Spirit – Day 1

[To be used in preparation for the 23rd General Synod of the Polish National Catholic Church, upon our Parish, Parish Delegates and on all Delegates attending. This Prayer is to he said from Saturday, September 25 – Sunday, October 3, inclusive.]

Begin with this prayer each day:

O Holy Spirit, my Lord and my God, l adore You and humbly acknowledge here in Your sacred presence that I am nothing, and can do nothing, without Your operation within me. Come, great Paraclete, thou Father of the poor, thou Comforter of the blest, fulfill the promise of our Savior, who would not leave us orphans, and enter my mind and heart as You descended on the day of Pentecost upon the holy Mother of Jesus and upon His first disciples. Grant that I may have a part in those gifts, which You did so prodigally bestow upon them.

Take from my heart all that is not pleasing to You and make of it a worthy dwelling place for Jesus.

Illumine my mind, that l may see and understand the things that are for my eternal welfare.

Inflame my heart with pure love of the Father, that, cleansed from attachment to all unworthy objects, my whole life may be hidden with Jesus in God.

Strengthen my will, that it may be conformable to the will of my Creator and guided by thy holy inspirations.

Aid me to practice the heavenly virtues of humility, poverty, and obedience, which are taught me in the earthly life of Jesus.

Descend upon me, O mighty Spirit, that, inspired and encouraged by You, I may faithfully fulfill the duties of my state in life, carry my daily cross with patience and courage, and accomplish the Father’s will for me more perfectly. Make me, day by day, more holy and give to me that heavenly peace which the world cannot give.

O Holy Spirit, thou Giver of every good and perfect gift, grant to me the intentions of this novena of prayer. May the Father’s will be done in me and through me. And may You, O mighty Spirit of the living God, be praised and glorified for ever and ever. Amen.

Then follows the hymn to the Holy Spirit: Come, Thou Creator

Come, Thou Creator, Spirit blest,
And in our souls take up Thy rest;
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid,
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

Great Paraclete, to Thee we cry,
O highest gift of God most high;
O living Fount, O Fire, O Love,
And sweet anointing from above.

The mystic seven-fold gifts are Thine,
Finger of God’s right hand divine,
The Father’s promise sent to teach,
The tongue a rich and heavenly speech.

All glory while the ages run
Be to the Father and the Son,
Who gave us life; the same to Thee,
O Holy Ghost, eternally.
Amen.

Then is said the Our Father and Hail Mary.
Then follows the prayer proper to the day:

Come, O Holy Ghost, the Lord and Life-giver;
take up Your dwelling within my soul, and
make of it Your sacred temple. Make me live by
grace as an adopted child of God. Pervade all
the energies of my soul, and create in me a
fountain of living water springing up into life
everlasting. Especially take up residence within
our General Synod and allow he who shall be
elected to be the next Prime Bishop Your store of
abundant grace. Allow him to feel Your
presence within.

Christian Witness, Perspective, ,

What is mission, what is presence?

From Kenny Be at Denver Westword: Vandalized St. Francis statute unable to lend a hand to animals:
​

This week, the St. Francis of Assisi National Catholic Church in southeast Denver will be presented with a new statue to replace their five-foot-tall front door figurine of St. Francis that was stolen on July 30. Meanwhile, the St. Francis of Assisi statue residing with The Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity in Chaffee Park shall just have to try to come to grips with the rationale of being left limbless and ignored for years…
​
Standing before a rock wall at the intersection of West 52nd Ave. and Federal Blvd., the St. Francis statue… is hidden from the view of the Marycrest caretaker’s house just barely seen through the trees. The overgrowth of vegetation and lack of repair suggest that the Marycrest mission may (once again) be in transition. A quick Internet search reveals that the Sisters have sold the property to developers for affordable housing.

A look at the Aria Denver website for the Marycrest development intimate that future plans for the limbless statue include removal of the remaining body parts and complete replacement with an asphalt parking lot and strip mall. Since the statue has not been converted into a curbside nail salon/income tax/doggy daycare sign holder insinuates that there may be little need for new retail development at the location at this time.

The build-out of the proposed eighty co-housing units and 120 apartments planned for the Aria Denver project was supposed to be completed by 2010, thereby hinting that the project is experiencing a slowdown, possibly due to a weak housing market.

The unwillingness to replace the hands on the statue indicate that the property’s current managers believe that the improved economic conditions needed to make this development a success can be achieved without St. Francis’s prayers.

Two sisters from the congregation that owned the property commented on the post. They indicate that the statue had been repeatedly vandalized, and then offered the “well we are the hands of Francis” justification for leaving things as they are. They then go on to indicate that the property’s new owners will be “the hands of Francis.”

I imagine something quite different, amounting to an abdication of responsibility for the statue, the property (note the overgrown/unkept part of the article), and for their mission in this distressed area of Denver.

Where are the sisters of days gone by who did real missionary work, real charity, and real acts of courage? Why aren’t they providing education and healthcare services to the poor in Denver. The hands of Francis appear to be off doing backpacking and camping retreats, massage therapy, community blessings (with a feather, of course), handing the Eucharist off to each other (no priest or deacon necessary), and tying “universal ribbons.” All that’s missing is a labyrinth and a Reiki session. The one good and courageous thing I found in their resume was a home for Lakota children – close to their original missions of education and healthcare. I believe that the order’s foundress would find something lacking.

My suggestions: get proper habits, focus on one or two core missions (once again), and stop trying to be every ministry needed in the world. Humility calls you to remember that the totality of the Church’s ministry is not present in, or channeled through, you.

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